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How to sanitize plates and bowls: Step-by-Step

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 16, 2025

Easily sanitize plates and bowls with E-Cloth. Discover a simple, effective, and chemical-free way to keep your dishes clean and safe.

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How to sanitize plates and bowls: Step-by-Step

Tools:

E-Cloth
Dish soap
Sponge
Unscented bleach
White vinegar

Pre-Clean: Remove Food Debris

Scrape off any bits stuck to plates and bowls.
Rinse with warm water to wash away loose particles.

Wash Thoroughly

Apply dish soap to scrub surfaces with a clean sponge.
Use hot water to help break down grease and lift residue.

Sanitize Effectively

Prepare a bleach solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of unscented bleach into 1 gallon of water.
Submerge or wipe the plates and bowls with the solution ensuring full coverage for at least 1 minute.
Alternative method: Lightly spray with diluted white vinegar; note that bleach is more effective for sanitizing.

Rinse and Dry

Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual chemicals.
Air dry on a clean rack or use a clean towel to finish the process.

Precautions:

Pre-Clean Dishes Thoroughly

Ensure any visible food particles are removed before sanitizing to allow the sanitizer to work effectively.

Follow Sanitizer Instructions

Use the exact concentration and contact time recommended by the sanitizer manufacturer.

Avoid Cross-Contamination

Keep sanitized plates and bowls separate from dirty ones to prevent recontamination.

Use Hot Water When Needed

Hot water can aid in the cleaning process; however, verify temperature recommendations for your sanitizing agent.

Wear Protective Gear

Gloves and sometimes eye protection can help avoid exposure to harsh chemicals during sanitization.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Work in a well-ventilated area to safely disperse any fumes from cleaning agents.

Store Chemicals Safely

Keep sanitizing solutions out of reach and clearly labeled to prevent misuse or accidental exposure.

How to Correctly Sanitize The Plates and bowls: Extra Tips

Preheat and Soak

Fill your sink with warm water and add a gentle dish soap to form a soapy solution.
Submerge your plates and bowls for a few minutes to loosen any food particles.
Hot water helps in reducing bacteria, so ensure the water is comfortably warm but not scalding.

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Scrub Thoroughly

Use a non-abrasive scrubber or sponge to clean all surfaces, including corners and edges.
Pay attention to the inside edges and rim; these areas often hide grime.
If needed, use an old toothbrush for any stubborn spots around decorations or handles.

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Rinse Properly

Rinse each item under running water to remove soap and loosened debris completely.
A thorough rinse is crucial to ensure no chemical residue remains that might mix with food later.
Double-check that all soap bubbles have dissipated; any residue may lead to off-flavors.

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Sanitize for Extra Safety

Prepare a sanitizing solution using one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water or a food-safe sanitizer.
Immerse the plates and bowls in the solution or wipe them thoroughly with a clean cloth dipped in it.
Allow the items to air dry completely to prevent any chemical residue from sticking around.

Common Mistakes When Sanitizing Plates and bowls

Overusing and Mixing Cleaning Chemicals

Using too many cleaning products at once may leave harmful residues on surfaces and create unexpected chemical reactions.
Mixing different chemicals (for example, bleach and ammonia) can generate toxic fumes that are dangerous to breathe.
Stick to one product per task and always read the label to ensure safe usage.

Not Following a Logical Cleaning Order

Working top-down is crucial; if you start at lower levels, dust and debris from higher surfaces might resettle on freshly cleaned areas.
Clean and organize one zone at a time to avoid spreading dirt across rooms.
Focus on designated areas (kitchen, bathroom, etc.) separately to ensure effective cleaning throughout the home.

Improper Sanitization of Plates and Bowls

Before sanitizing, always remove food particles; leftover debris can interfere with cleaning agents and promote bacterial growth.
Wash dishes with hot, soapy water first, then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residues.
After rinsing, sanitize by soaking in a solution of 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach per gallon of water for at least one minute. Allow to air dry completely before use.

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How Often to Sanitize Plates and bowls

Sanitization Frequency for Plates and Bowls

After Each Use (in specific cases): If you’ve served raw meats, eggs, or if someone in your household is ill or immunocompromised, it’s best to sanitize immediately after use. This extra step minimizes bacteria that might persist even after a regular wash.
Daily Sanitization: For most households where plates and bowls are cleaned thoroughly with hot, soapy water or cleaned in a dishwasher with a sanitizing cycle, a daily sanitization (i.e., during your normal cleaning routine at the end of the day) is generally sufficient. This consistent routine helps prevent the buildup of germs without overdoing it.
Multiple Times a Day (if reused frequently): When dishes are used repeatedly throughout the day without a full wash in between, consider sanitizing at least once during peak usage. This is particularly important during hot weather or if your household engages in food preparation that increases the risk of cross-contamination.
Context Matters: In environments such as childcare centers, nursing homes, or busy kitchens where a high volume of food is prepared and served, sanitizing after each use or between different user groups is key to ensuring food safety. For regular home use, thorough cleaning generally meets sanitation needs.

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